Perspective?

Perspective according the American Heritage Dictionary is a mental  view and outlook. It was interesting how many different perspectives were presented during class discussion concerning the Rihanna and Eminem video, "Love the way you lie." 

Music certainly communicates for each of us as individuals, and as individuals, a particular song might mean something different for you than it does for someone else (Sellnow, 2010). This was very evident during class discussion.


When we consider music as rhetoric, we examine the messages it communicates to identifiable audiences, rather than the various individual meanings you and I might have of it (Sellnow, 2010). We did in fact have people mention personal experience of relationship abuse, and we were able to consider the message they received from the song as an identifiable audience.


At first glance I perceived the video to be a form of catharsis and educational for an identifiable audience. Educational because it reflected real life situations and scenarios. It told a story that some are able to relate to. The sole purpose of the video could have simply been to allow or provide a catharsis. A technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed feelings and fears to consciousness. http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/catharsis

Messages are couched in music that are effective in persuasion and change.

I perceived the line "I  love the way you lie" to be satiric in that it was not a true statement but rather a form sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity.


I also perceived that the female initiated violence and was just as violent as the male. I think this raised a great point that men are also abused. 

"Now I know we said things, did things that we didn't mean

And we fall back into the same patterns, same routine. But your temper's just as bad as mine is. You're the same as me. Maybe our relationship isn't as crazy as it seems. Maybe that's what happens when a tornado meets a volcano." Violence is never right no matter whom the victim.




"Love the way you Lie," functions rhetorically by creating an illusion of life for listeners. It is simply a representation of life experiences and feelings influenced by Rihanna and Eminem's perspective. 

Sellnow, D. The Rhetorical Power of Popular Culture: Considering Mediated Text. SAGE Publications Inc. 2010; http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U;http://www.directlyrics.com/eminem-love-the-way-you-lie-lyrics.html

STAND for SOMETHING or FALL for ANYTHING!

Schools can modify homophobic and sexist social environments in several ways-by placing affirming posters in their classrooms, providing support for GSAs, sponsoring assemblies and speakers, and reorganizing highly gendered school rituals (Pascoe, 169).


I strongly disagree with Pascoe concerning this statement.  Schools can attempt to transform students, but the root of the problem stems from parents and home environment. She states what schools can attempt to do, but she admits to removing a “Gay Pride” sticker from her car due to the strong sense of homophobia (Pascoe, 161). I am confused? How can she say what a school should do, if she is not willing to stand for what she believes in despite of the present Homophobia?

Students are taught prior to attending school to be homophobic to be prejudiced against homosexual people, this is not taught in the curriculum, but possibly reinforced at school if anything.

My husband and I do not curse we do not allow our children to be around people or atmospheres where people do. We also do not allow them to listen to distasteful music. BUT tell my why in Kindergarten my daughter comes home repeating “What the F%$K…” This is certainly not part of the curriculum, her teacher did not teach her this; she got it from another student who got it from home. Very hurtful and disappointing…


 I didn’t expect my daughter to come home with a nasty mouth, I do not expect her to go to school and see posters affirming the GLBT community and I do not want her attending assemblies etc.  I feel there is no difference between them teaching my daughter to drink, smoke, do drugs, or have sex. I do not feel the school has the right to influence my daughter in any of these matters, just to teach her the basic curriculum of math reading and science. But at the same time, I am not teaching my daughter to hate or mistreat others. PERIOD!

The school should only be responsible to do so much. They have a mission to educate our children with the basics. Parents need to step up and take responsibility and accountability for their children and their behavior.

One Nation Under God... Right?

"If men were angels no government would be necessary." Since we are not angels, government's role is to discourage harm and encourage good." James Madison-Father of the Constitution

The statement above also applies in school settings; the need to have standards and rules in school is essential to encourage good. On page 29 in the book titled Dude You're a Fag, we discussed the need for a dress code and how it emphasized gender difference through its clothing polices. America was founded on Christian Principles, "In God we trust" a belief in the Bible and its doctrine. This concept explains why the affirmation and definition of normative sexual and gender identities in a school setting reinforce definitions of heterosexuality (Letts and Sears 1999).

The fact is that Men-Women unions are the foundation of civilization!!! Would we exist without men and women unions? NO.... Would lesbians, gays, or transgendered folk exist without Men-Women unions? NO...Life as we know it would cease if everyone accepted the life style of same-sex relationships? So why tolerate it or encourage it? Why do we argue about simple things such as feminine and masculine characteristics, dress codes, and gender?  Perspectives that were formed based on life and documented history passed down through generations.

To dig deeper into modern issues, let’s talk about the notion of “Relative Truth which negates the belief that some beliefs are true and some are false. As a consequence, all beliefs are equally valid and all must be accepted.” I think this concept is displayed as a little d discourse in our class, working to change the Big D discourse of current American standards.There is a standard of right and wrong; if not, why have any rules or laws. We should accept pedophiles who “feel” or desire to be with children, and Gay-bashers who are born “mean/hateful” and can’t help themselves. FOOLISH right…

The concept Moral Relativism is the view that moral or ethical statements, which vary from person to person, are equally valid and no one's opinion of right and wrong is really better than any other. It further expresses that there is no ultimate standard of good and evil, so every judgment about right and wrong is purely a product of a person's preferences and environment. This notion is very POPULAR and encouraged in our class. I believe this is the basis of our classroom culture; YET Moral Relativism is said to “make society unstable, as the concepts of right and wrong suddenly becomes a question of shifting popular opinions.” Everyone is free to speak their opinion in class and no one is corrected or given a standard of right or wrong, a perfect example of Moral Relativism.

Fundamentally we are all expected to recognize and respect other's beliefs, and or practices without sharing them. We are expected to put up with someone or something not especially liked. YET remain intolerant of behaviors or opinions that are not compatible to our beliefs and Spiritual Doctrine. I believe the goal of Public Schools is to respect but not encourage or condone anything not encouraging what they consider good.

Please find further reading and information about Moral Relativism and Relative Truth   at www.allaboutworldview.org; www.allaboutlove.org; www.allaboutphilosophy.org

African American Stigma

I argue that PRIOR to the  Economic OR medical treatment barrier.  African American Stigma strongly contributes to the fact of why many African American children are under diagnosed.

"When it comes to MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, African Americans tend to rely on religious figures, friends or family for emotional support instead of turning to health care professionals-in fact, mental illness is often stigmatized and misunderstood in the black community." This statement supports what I attempted to say in class. As a Black woman, in reference to my cultural experience and observation. Black people tend to be less accepting of the diagnosis of ADHD or any mental health disorder for that matter. We deny it or we attempt to fix it within the means of religious ideologies and family. 


I found it interesting that the Inside ADHD Organization (www.insideADHD.Org) acknowledged that assessment tools used for ADHD maybe an issue. "Some researchers believe these tools may not be accurate for PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS." The tools present issues such as not allowing a child to speak in their native language. The questions asked may not be CULTURALLY SENSITIVE. Additionally, RACE and ETHNICITY may affect how an adult rates a child's behavior. This statement supports the opinion that different cultures have different expectations of students. BECAUSE we have different perspectives and backgrounds this should be considered when taking a teachers word on a students behavior. 


"In some African American families the stigma surrounding visiting a mental health professional is worse for the parents than the parents accepting the symptoms of ADHD." Why is the stigma so strong? What caused it? I believe the history of slavery, and having to overcome and persevere through many obstacles creates a pride of not wanting to present any type of weakness in any form. I believe African Americans still lack trust in health care system, and would rather seek help from their community church, friends and family.


"Research has found that some African American parents have greater biases toward the mental health field than white parents that PREVENT the child from using MEDICATION even if the child WOULD BENEFIT from it." Read more information on this at www.examiner.com 


What parent wouldn't want to help their child to the best of their ability? Sammy stated in class, its a never ending process of pills; The Meds are NOT A CURE. I think some African American parents realize that as well, and use other options.


I believe the youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVV_ZhpK9aM) titled Parenting & Discipline : How to Discipline an ADHD Child does a great job of providing alternative perspectives.

Parenting & Discipline : How to Discipline an ADHD Child

Joel Osteen - Say 'NO' To Your Feelings

FEELINGS...we all have them...So what?

The only hard evidence I have heard for major changes in life were FEELINGS!!! Feelings should not control us, we should CONTROL our feelings in my opinion. Joel Osteen does a great job of providing empowerment and reason to support that we shouldnt allow something so unstable as our feelings to control us. Often easily stated and not easily done. AJ mentioned that one of his family members were very supportive and stated God is only concerned about his soul; he is not concerned about the vessel. He did not elaborate on his personal beliefs, but appeared to be at peace about her perspective.

I know God is Love and love covers a multitude of sin(1 Peter 4:8). I know that regardless of what we do God loves us, but requires us to choose to LOVE HIM also. The Bible states if we LOVE HIM we should follow his commandments (John 14:23).

We can get so wrapped up in ourselves and forget that we have a CREATOR that made us in HIS IMAGE!!! A creator that states we are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made(Psalm 139:14). A creator that if we took the time to seek HIM; He would provide His will for our lives.

Sometimes its easier to go with the grain, than go against the grain. It's easy to surrender to temptation. Sometimes we are not mentally tough, and do not seek Godly counsel to help us. There are a lot of scenarios that maybe presented as to why we do the things we do; but feelings should not dictate things that are life altering.


It's amazing to me how many people do not take responsibility for themselves, their minds, and life. They give up responsibility to feelings, media,and society. They pretend to allow outside sources to control who they are and what they do. Which is sad. Really the choice lies inside, in our personal thoughts and minds.

Michael Jackson-Man in the mirror lyrics

Life & Death...

First of all, I was really SHOCKED to find a SCRIPTURE from the BIBLE in chapter 5. The tongue has the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21) This is extremely surprising and edgy considering this text is so "liberal".  By liberal I mean it expresses some concepts that do not line up with Bible teachings.  As well  there are so many  "Religious beliefs" in a classroom setting; I am surprised that they would use scripture specifically from the Bible. I appreciate that the text is very liberal in expressing different points of views concerning life and people. I question though, if the author considers this particular scripture to be a legitimate truth; and if so does the author agree with the entire bible?

 Personally I don't think you can pick and choose whats true or not concerning the scriptures in the bible; I believe you have to accept it ALL or NOTHING. With that said I further respect the text for the balanced education/knowledge it provides. We often judge and condemn others if they do not meet specific expectations or rules. We are even asked in this class to form opinions,  and analyze people, gender and sex. This text provides us with opportunity to be very educated and open minded concerning differences. BUT at the same time being knowledgeable and educated on different perspectives does not constitute those perceptions to be LEGITIMATE TRUTH in reference to the Bible. More or less  it provides us with more choices to make. Choices that render good or bad consequences on a individual basis. Which brings me to my next point of using the "society card" a used up EXCUSE!!!

The text suggest that "Many men and women decide NOT to LIMIT themselves only to those qualities that society associates with  one gender (Wood124). I think this is an AWESOME choice. At the end of the day we are all individuals. Yes we are molded and shaped by different perspective and norms, but there comes a point when you reach a certain age, and you really begin to think for yourself. I love what books, music, preachers, teachers, and media has to offer me. BUT I do not allow what they have to offer me to cause me to loose control, or loose my sense of self. I make choices I am happy with, or not happy with, but I am confident that my choices are my choice and not societies. While society may have contributed to my choice, society does not hold a gun to my head and  make my choices.

We tackled Gendered Verbal Communication in Chapter five this week. Communication has evolved tremendously over the years, I am just thankful that we have a verbal communication that's understood. As we continue to evolve and grow, we will continue to make it better and work for everyone. I can't knock history and past communication styles, because I understand that it had to begin somewhere to get us where we are today. Communication like technology will always continue to improve and get better.

Random Thoughts!

Morgan Spurlock 30 Days: Muslims and America part 5

Pro-Feminist & Masculinist Groups

Talk is CHEAP...

" For ordinary African-American women, those individuals who have lived through the experiences about which they claim to be experts are more believable and credible than those who have merely read or thought about such experiences."

This statement speaks volumes to me.  It speaks what I believe in and what I tend to live by. I have often stated on many occasions in different conversations. Experience and first hand knowledge speaks louder and means more to me than an outside perspective. Today we had a guest speaker Caucasian, middle class man, whom some students in the class stated they liked more than the guest speaker we had in the past  "Shark-Fu" a Black women. I found this interesting and wondered why some students liked one more than the other?  I wondered why there was a comparison and why overall we just didn't  appreciate what they both had to bring to the table from their individual perspectives and experiences?

The quote above from "The Social Construction of Black Feminist Thought," speaks loud and clear in reference to credibility and how it is perceived from a African-American woman's perspective. I concur that experts are more believable and credible who have experienced what they talk about.  In fact I believe you don't have to be an expert, authentic experience is powerful and covers anyone.

It's a nice gesture, but it's not real or credible to me or for me. Until you have walked in my shoes or felt my struggles for yourself. I can't really identify with you. There are variety of areas where we might mix but on a superficial level. I often wonder if in a bad situation what choices would be made? Would a person lean to the left or right, and lets not forget those who stay in the middle who I like to refer to as "two faced".

There is a young lady who complains about a race situation, but then states that  "she had to claim the race of Caucasian to have the basic rights that she wouldn't  otherwise have as the other race." As a black woman I don't have the liberty to change or switch anything. I am Black and I will always be Black. I am also proud to be Black and proud of where I come from. When I look back at my heritage I am proud of every right earned and sacrifice made. As a Black woman I have to "embrace the suck" and keep it moving. I choose to be positive yet I am not a fool.

I can't say that I liked one speaker more than the other, but I can say that I could better identify with Shark-Fu even though I don't  understand or agree with some of  her methods. I do feel  that she speaks with conviction and heart. I identify with Dr. Doug in terms of empathy, I too like to help where I can and feel convicted to do so.

Its easy to become apart of a movement  or to recruit change, but as our guest speaker stated and I am paraphrasing- he is still " the ultimate power in society, privileged, Caucasian and middle class." In my opinion he really has nothing to loose. Whereas some recruit change because their lives depend upon it. I am not easily persuaded that everyone who says they are for me are truly for me, just from my own personal experience. Some questions that come to my mind is…Whats the motive? Whats to gain and whats to loose?

Quote References: Richardson Laurel, Verta Taylor and Nancy Wittier. Feminist Frontiers IV. New York: McGraw-Hill 1997

"The Social Construction of Black Feminist Thought," Patricia Hill Collins

Permission to Speak Freely?

It is very easy to become OVERWHELMED with the many issues of the world. I have learned to cast my cares on God. Psalm 55:22.  My “big D discourse” is my relationship with God through the bible, which establishes my norms and ideologies. So I care but I don’t…My main priority is to treat those I come in contact with, with dignity and love.


“I am something to be feared if you fear the empowerment of others." This is a major statement for me, because I do believe in the empowerment of others. This statement was written by Shark-fu a Feminist blog author of  angryblackbitch.blogspot.com  I do care about Equality and the right to have a Voice, but not enough to label myself as a feminist. Yet this statement alone screams loud and clear what Feminism details. I am just not sure I agree with its "methods".We all have a purpose and a variety of purposes. There are many avenues to accomplish those purposes. At the end of the day, I believe that knowledge is POWER. If you know better you do better…My purpose is to teach, encourage and motivate. I realized a long time ago you can’t change people, BUT you can influence. “The Battle hymn of a dangerous black woman” reads very angrily, and as a black woman, I have to ask what has it accomplished? Is this a venting process, or did it in fact solve any of the problems mentioned in the hymn? She mentioned she wanted to have a positive impact…To who is my question and to what age group? In meeting her through Skype I could see a form of positive impact, but I can’t say the same for her blogs.

Let’s talk about the MIND and CHOICE…The color of one’s skin DOES NOT cause us to steal, kill, and lie. It DOES NOT cause us to have abortions, to be on welfare, and to hate others. It does not contribute to social class, work ethics or success. It’s just a simple pigment right? Why do we constantly label behaviors according to color? Our POWER is in our mindset and choices. Why do we give too much credit to other people? Why do we even take the time to entertain such nonsense? We allow others to have too much power and control over our mind. It is not outside circumstances that influence a person’s success, it’s all internal. We choose to be successful despite the obstacles. We are quick to say society this, and society that…We are all individuals, and we should act like it.

“If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.” ― E. James Rohn

Movements are needed and necessary in forms of education more than anything in my opinion. I can’t stress enough that Knowledge is POWER!!!

Issues!!!

Hi, I have added all of the  URLs from the excel sheet, and  I am still having a hard time viewing peer blog pages...Any Suggestions?